The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

Eloise remained outside, watching as Damien departed through the estate gates. Kyle and Aiden stayed close by her side.

"Lady Hawthorne, we must go inside," Aiden urged, wanting Eloise sheltered before she thought of leaving.

Aiden was certain that, despite what Eloise promised Damien, she would leave in a heartbeat.

"So much for a peaceful return. We have not been home for long, and already Damien must leave my side. Kyle, I think it is wise that you do not leave the estate as well," Eloise said out of the blue.

"Me?" Kyle exclaimed, disliking the suggestion. "I am not going to search for your cousin. Unless she is your twin, I have not the slightest clue what she looks like."

"That is not why I ask you to stay. Damien went out only out of kindness for me. If you leave now, you will find yourself in trouble. I do not want Damien to have more reason to be upset, so just this once, can you remain at home?" Eloise requested, pleading with her gaze.

Kyle sighed, wishing he had departed long before the pair arrived. "You must remember that I am agreeing only because you won that bet. I shall stay, but I will not do any work."

"I was not going to ask that you do any work, but if you would be so kind as to help distract me, I would appreciate it. I would like some company, and since my husband is away, you are the next best option," Eloise replied, thinking Kyle’s company was better than none.

Unbeknownst to Kyle, there was a flicker of eagerness in his eyes.

"Is that so? Surely it makes sense, since I have not troubled you in any way since you came here. I am far better than my other siblings, so you must tell Damien. Come," Kyle said, motioning for Eloise to step first. "We must go inside."

"You think this will make me take your side when Damien is angry with you, but it will not. I must choose to stay out of your troubles since I have not been completely accepted. If you remain only to use me, you may leave," Eloise said, unwilling to force him.

Kyle slipped his hands into his pockets. "It would make me feel awful to leave you when your family is missing. Sometimes I think you are a dull woman, but then these things happen. For simple folk, your family is quite complicated."

"It is, but every family has its troubles. Doesn’t your family have troubles, or are you gone so often that you do not notice?" Eloise asked as she stepped inside.

Kyle nodded his head, admitting to it. "We have our troubles, but it is mostly relatives fighting for land or money. You make me interested in the common folk. Your lives are entertaining."

"Well, first you should stop referring to them as the common folk. Not everyone will like being addressed that way," Eloise said, her brow furrowing.

"Is it not better than saying the poor? Trust me, many in this circle would describe the commoners as the poor or the help. I am not friends with any," Kyle added quickly, before Eloise could judge him.

"I would hope that you are not so close to them. I was once a commoner, so if you surround yourself with those people, it would make me wonder what you think of me. I already know that I was poor compared to Damien, but I hope you will not speak of me to others," Eloise said, her voice filled with vulnerability.

"I do not. In fact, whenever anyone tries to ask about you, I do not answer. Not only because I do not know you well, but it is not common for me to speak about family. I might not look it, but I know how to be private and when to protect my family," Kyle said, his gaze fixed on the path ahead.

"I do not doubt that you know how. I think you may be full of surprises, Kyle. The older you grow, the more you will mature and surprise everyone around you. Though you are the youngest and bear little responsibility, you can still be great," Eloise assured him.

"You can make something of yourself outside of Damien and the estate. Something that is yours alone, and no one can question it. Since you seem so invested in drinking, why not make it a business?"

"To drink? Sorry," Kyle apologised, realising his mistake.

"Do not make me regret what I said so quickly, Kyle. That answer was not your best. I meant producing wines or importing rum from neighbouring lands. You have the money and land to do it," Eloise suggested.

"You could go further and open a gentleman’s pub. You should have plenty of experience knowing what men like and what more could be done. It might take only a little of your allowance to begin," Eloise added, certain Kyle could succeed.

"I never thought of doing business outside of the family," Kyle admitted, warming up to the idea.

"Even if you do not have a family one day, you will want your own money to care for yourself. Then you will not always have to turn to Damien. Even if you fail, at least you have tried," Eloise said, her tone encouraging.

"What business would you have?"

"Me? If I needed to work, I would either work at a library, do gardening, or become a maid. Becoming a maid would be the easiest. There are many homes always searching for one. I do not have any business ideas," Eloise confessed.

"Then why do we not become partners? You can convince Damien for money, and I know what all the men in town like. You can be a secret owner if you fear what the women in town might say. You must," Kyle said eagerly.

"I will need to speak to Damien. An owner must do more than bring in money. Do you not have a friend who might help you?" Eloise asked, regretting bringing up the idea.

"I do, but they would not take it as seriously as you. Do consider working with me. You could earn money outside of what Damien gives you. Quinn!" Kyle exclaimed, spotting Quinn first. "Eloise and I have come up with a good idea."

Eloise stood back as Kyle strode forward to speak with Quinn. Without addressing their troubles, it was still difficult to be in his presence.

"Eloise," Quinn’s voice startled her. "Can we speak in private?"

"We may," Eloise agreed, but there was an uneasiness in her chest.